Creative & Education Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

School Counselor Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median school counselor salary in Fort Smith, AR is $48,112 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$48,112
vs State Avg
$-2,406
vs National
$-12,028
Cost of Living
80%

School Counselor Pay in Fort Smith: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Smith offers a median school counselor salary of $48,112, which is $2,406 below the Arkansas state average of $50,518. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Fort Smith pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Fort Smith's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 80% of the national average. This means the $48,112 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $60,140 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for school counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for school counselors in Fort Smith spans from $30,560 at the 10th percentile to $75,840 at the 90th percentile — a $45,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,000, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $68,000. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

School Counselor Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level school counselor earns around $32,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,000
$-8,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,000
$-12,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,000
$-17,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $30,560
25th Percentile $37,600
Median (50th) $48,112
75th Percentile $60,960
90th Percentile $75,840

School Counselor Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$52,923
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$52,322
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$50,518
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$49,315
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a School Counselor in Fort Smith

Education

Most school counselor positions require a master's degree. Fort Smith and the surrounding Arkansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CounselingCollege PlanningCrisis InterventionGroup FacilitationActive ListeningStudent Assessment

Job Outlook

Nationally, school counselor employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find School Counselor Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open school counselor positions in Fort Smith, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a School Counselor make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $48,112 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $30,560 (10th percentile) to $75,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,112, a school counselor in Fort Smith earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for school counselor pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median school counselor salary of $48,112 is 4.8% below the Arkansas state average of $50,518. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
Fort Smith has a cost of living index of 80% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $48,112 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Fort Smith? ▼
Most school counselor positions in Fort Smith require a master's degree. Key skills include Counseling, College Planning, Crisis Intervention, Group Facilitation. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.